Newbie! Where do I start???

**Mom2Many** · 02-10-2008, 08:51 AM

Hey frugal folks! I'm new here, but have been lurking for a couple of weeks. I'm a single parent with 4 kids...ages 3, 5, 6, and 7. I'm a teacher and part-time graduate student. I just closed on my first house and would really like to get a handle on my unnecessary spending and get an emergency fund set up.

I already do a few things...I try to buy in bulk, I own a separate upright freezer for when I catch a good sale. I was putting away $50-$100/month into a money market account, but cashed out some of it to pay for my 1st year of homeowner's insurance. (I guess that was my emergency fund?)

So, how can I be more frugal?

My home loan is for 59,000 (got a really good deal!). I have about 1,500 in medical bills...I make payments of $50/month. I have one credit card with a $500 limit...I think I've only spent $300 on it. I use it as a credit rebuilding thing. I also have a year old IRA that gets about $75/month...this is in addition to my job's 401K.

Help! I know I can do more. I need to save more and spend less.

**kittykatstrong** · 02-10-2008, 09:44 AM

Hello and Welcome! Just look at the past threads. they hold a ton of info.

**FrugalMomof3** · 02-10-2008, 09:46 AM

Hi there and

You seem to be on the right track right now. Congrats for being so wise off the bat.

I wish our home was $59,000, that's awesome!

**luv-my-lexi** · 02-10-2008, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by kittykatstrong

Hello and Welcome! Just look at the past threads. they hold a ton of info.

I agree, just scan all around in the threads and you will be AMAZED at all of the valuable information these great villagers teach you.

One of the huge tips I keep seeing is to "write" everything down so you see exactly where your money is going or what it needs to go toward.

Welcome to the Village from Oklahoma.

**Darlene** · 02-10-2008, 09:54 AM

Welcome to Frugal Village!

Most people start saving by cutting back on their groceries. Menu planning around sales is a good way to do it. Stop buying convienence products that you can make yourself, most of the time it's quick & easy, just need to plan ahead.
Another way to save is to cut back on extra cable tv, or bells & whistles on phone plans.
Good luck & I'm looking forward to getting to know you better busy lady.

What do you teach? Dd is subtitute teaching while looking for a job in secondary ed, social studies.

**PrairieRose** · 02-10-2008, 10:25 AM

Hello and

to the village.

You might start on the main page of the forums. Pick a category, go in and look around, read, read, read.....then move on to another category and do the same. It can take a very long time, but I think you'll agree it will be time well spent.

**Royal** · 02-10-2008, 12:01 PM

Hello and welcome to FV! It seems like you are well on your way to being frugal.

**bumplett** · 02-10-2008, 12:21 PM

**IntlMom** · 02-10-2008, 12:30 PM

Glad you're here, your time here will be time well spent.....and if you are like many of us, you'll make a few friends along the way!

**mom2matty** · 02-10-2008, 01:19 PM

Hi and Welcome!!

**sweetlittle** · 02-10-2008, 05:15 PM

Welcome! You are on the right track. My biggest suggestion along with the other great treads and posts would be to learn your own "needs" and "wants" once you've mastered this everyting will be just fine.

Good luck and I look forward to your posts!